Personal Development
We offer our students a wide range of experiences both in form time and beyond the classroom. Our sequenced, spiral Personal Development (PSHRCE – Personal, Social, Health, Relationships and Citizenship Education) curriculum is designed to strengthen students’ knowledge of the world, encourage them to be good responsible citizens, as well as support their health and well-being in an age-appropriate way. We aim to build character and develop skills that employers require such as communication, initiative and teamwork.
We teach Personal Development to all students across Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 5 as part of their timetabled lessons. Our Personal Development curriculum covers the themes of Citizenship, Relationships, Identity, Wellbeing, Body Awareness and Independence. These dedicated, tailored lessons follow this thematic model inspired and are informed by national statutory guidelines, local data as well as students, staff and parental consultation. These lessons are supplemented by activities during form time, our assembly programme, ‘Thought for the Week’, ‘Alternative Curriculum’ days and the opportunity to get involved in a diverse range of extra-curricular activities and enrichment opportunities.
Each week we also discuss topical themes that impact current affairs and our local community, as well as ‘issues’ that arise the news.
Mental Health is a key focus of PSHRCE and forms part of our commitment to student wellbeing. Different aspects of mental health and wellbeing are explored, from building positive relationships in Year 7, to managing emotions in Year 8, to healthy and unhealthy coping strategies in Year 9 to learning about common mental health disorders in Year 10.
The importance of maintaining good mental health and seeking help when needed is embedded through the school wider curriculum, though form time focussed discussions, tailored ‘reading for success’ activities, assemblies and anti-bullying week. We regularly promote local and online services including Kooth. We also work closely with the local ‘Healthy Minds’ team who offer sessions such as ‘managing exam stress’, as well as being available at our Student Consultation Evenings on a drop-in basis.
The citizenship element of the curriculum aims to prepare students to play a full and active part in society by developing their knowledge and understanding of democracy, government and how laws are made and upheld.
The link to our Personal Development (PSHRCE) curriculum can be found here.
